We recommend you enjoying some activities and cool sweets in early summer!
① “Kamikochi（上高地 means 神降地）means the place where the god descends. It is surrounded with nature, so it is fun to find the emerald green water of the river, the tree bitten by wild monkeys, soft windflowers and chars swimming. You should bring a camera there!
② There is a water place called “Choju-sui (longevity water)” beside Kasane bridge along the National Route 158 between Takayama and Matsumoto. You will heal the fatigue there.
① Rail mountain bike means cycling on the discontinued railway. New green leaves and marguerite are beautiful in early summer. Canyon course which has big bridges is more thrilled than Town course.
② Kamioka-cho, the same town of Gattan Go, has an abundance of water, so you can enjoy Mizuya (water place) tour from early-summer to summer.
The place to visit for Takayama sightseeing is Shirakawago. Before rice-planting, you can see the upside down Gassho Zukuri reflected on the water. It will be beautiful with new green leaves in early summer.
① Ainokura is less developed and less crowded than Shirakawago, so you can enjoy original scenery. The upside down Gassho Zukuri is also worth seeing. From the observation deck, you can see the whole village with Mt.Hakusan.
② On the way to Gokayama, Kahei shoten (tofu shop) is good shop to take a break with soft serve or to buy souvenirs.
① The guests can enjoy seasonal sweets at lounge and bar KINOKA(Takayama Green Hotel) facing Japanese garden with new green leaves.
② Patisserie Bel ange(Takayama Green Hotel) provides sweets with fresh local fruit.
When you stroll near old street, you can enjoy wagashi(Japanese sweets) at Saika Nanakusa which is a branch shop of Tohoen (Japanese sweets home shop of long standing). The recommended item in early summer is Kusa manju(sweet bun with a bean paste) made from Yomogi(mugwort) and Nagaimo(Chinese yam).
Here is Saika Nanakusa article.
If you want to take a break during sightseeing in Takayama, we recommend you dropping by CowCow Yoghurt. This shop provides homemade yoghurt, smoothie and jelly. It is near both Jinya and Miyagawa morning market.
